If you’re thinking of making a move to Hilo, you’ll find plenty about it to love! Hilo is one of the seven regions that are part of “The Big Island”, along with the other six regions of Kona, Kohala Coast, North Kohala, Puna Kau, and the Hamakua Coast. The Hilo region is characterized by stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and beautiful gardens in bloom. The downtown area actually sits upon two dormant volcanos, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, making the area very unique and striking from a geological perspective. It’s a beautiful place full of friendly people, and it would be a great place to find a home in paradise.
A Look at Hilo's History
Hilo’s very first inhabitants arrived over a thousand years ago, traveling to the area from the Marquesas Islands. When they arrived, they brought Polynesian traditions and knowledge that are still very much a part of Hilo’s culture today. Eventually, in the late 1700s and early 1800s, Westerners began arriving in the area and settling there. Today, the city remains a very diverse one, with a blend of unique cultures, friendly people, and plenty of scenic outdoor beauty to enjoy. Even better, it has a smaller, but thriving LGBTQ community, where all can feel welcome and at home.
A Few Fun Facts About Hilo
Read more fun facts about Hilo here.
Hilo’s LGBTQ Community
Hilo is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Kona/Big Island is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Hawaii Island Pride is a community-based organization committed to serving the LGBTQ community in the greater Hilo area. The mission of Hawaii Island Pride is to create events celebrating diversity on the Big Island while educating the public on important issues. Throughout the year, the group provides resources, organizes events, and creates opportunities to build the community. It’s a great way to get connected and become involved.
What's the Weather Like in Hilo?
Those who live in Hilo can expect a tropical rainforest-type climate. That means lots of, you guessed it – rain! 143 inches per year, on average, which is several times more than the national average of 38 inches per year. Temperatures are mild year-round, with highs in July usually reaching around 81ºF, and lows in January typically only dropping to around 63ºF.
Can’t-Miss Events in Hilo
This week-long celebration of ancient and modern hula is one event that you won’t want to miss when in Hilo. Hula is essentially Hawaiian – and this festival is always a great time.
Hawaii Island Pride is the area’s annual pride celebration of the LGBTQ community. It's a great way to celebrate, connect to the community – and to have fun! You'll definitely want to put this event on your calendar each year.
The Best Neighborhoods in Hilo
Unlike some larger towns that have one primarily gay neighborhood, Hilo’s LGBTQ community tends to be a bit more spread out across the city. This isn’t a bad thing though – it simply means that there are many wonderful neighborhoods in town to choose from. Much of where you choose to live will simply depend upon personal preference and the style and price of home you prefer. Truly, every home in Hilo is a little piece of paradise!
The median list price of homes currently for sale in Hilo is $397,000, and the median list price per square foot is $305.
Arts and Entertainment
For almost 100 years, the Hilo Community Players have been providing excellent performing art to entertain residents and visitors alike on the Big Island. Their mission is to educate, inspire, and enrich the audience through high-quality productions of all kinds – and it is a mission they achieve well!
Parks and Recreation
Akaka Falls State Park is home to the most famous waterfalls on the Big Island. These stunning 422 feet tall falls are easily accessible through a short hike, and well worth the walk.
Kaumana Caves Park is a stunning skylight set in a 25-mile long lava tube created by the 1881 flow from the Mauna Loa volcano. Visitors can have fun exploring the lava tube as well as all of the stunning scenery surrounding it on a beautiful Hilo afternoon.
Hilo Nightlife
Hilo is a quintessentially quiet Hawaiian town, which means that there isn't much in the way of loud and lively gay nightlife. Those looking for more of a gay bar scene may want to make the drive over to Kona and check out My Bar Kona, which is a very popular LGBTQ bar, and always a good time.
In Hilo itself, however, Hilo Town Tavern is a popular, friendly spot known for its welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces, great food, excellent cocktails, and live, local bands. Though not specifically an LGBTQ bar, it’s friendly and welcoming to all, and definitely a must-try spot on a night out in Hilo.
Contact a Hilo Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Hilo, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Hilo, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Hilo gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
